Camden, pictured here celebrating his fourth birthday, which John slept through

After six months of dating, the pair got engaged, and married shortly after in 2008.

At that stage, John’s KLS occurred only once every few years, so the ceremony went off without an episode.

However, the condition has worsened with time and John now suffers at least one episode a year.

After the condition flares up, John only has confused recollection of the moments he spent while he was asleep, and often doesn’t remember anything.

He has also missed important occasions, including his sons’ birthdays and Christmases, due to the condition.

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Even though Tara has to care for John and her children when an episode strikes, she insists: “I love him and he did not ask for it.

“He’s not some drunk who sleeps and sleeps. It’s an illness.”

Doctors have been unable to pinpoint the exact cause of John’s KLS, although some suspect it may have been triggered by a flu-like virus.

What is Kleine-Levin Syndrome?

The Kleine Levin Syndrome Foundation, which supports people with the illness, said: “Kleine-Levin Syndrome (KLS) is a rare and complex neurological disorder, characterized by recurring periods of excessive amounts of sleep, altered behaviour, and a reduced understanding of the world.

“At the onset of an episode the patient becomes progressively drowsy and sleeps for most of the day and night (hypersomnolence), sometimes waking only to eat or go to the bathroom.

“Each episode lasts days, weeks or months during which time all normal daily activities stop.

“Individuals are not able to care for themselves or attend school and work. In between episodes, those with KLS appear to be in perfect health with no evidence of behavioural or physical dysfunction. KLS episodes may continue for 10 years or more.”

As John has a slight warning about when an episode is imminent, he has time to alert his family and workplace.

John confessed: “It sucks having this illness. It is like being trapped in a nightmare and not being able to wake up. I’m trapped behind a glass wall.

“It takes over. It’s a rare disorder. I lose my life for months at a time. I don’t experience my kids, my wife.

“I’m there but not there. It’s hard on me but also my family. It takes a strong person like Tara to cope with it – but I am so grateful for Tara and my family for their support.”